抄録
A process for the production of thermomechanical pulp (TMP) from non-wood fibrous materials such as sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse (SB) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) has not yet been industrialized. On the other hand, there is a requirement for the production of dried TMP from non-wood fibers for the preparation of medium density fiberboard（MDF board） as an alternative to wood and as a possible method of treatment of agricultural wastes. Dried fibers are required to produce high quality MDF board. SB and oil palm EFB are non-wood fibrous materials that are easily available in Indonesia, and have the potential to be developed as fibers for use in materials of MDF board. This research is aimed at modifying the operation of a laboratory pressurized TMP refiner to obtain dried fibers from both these non-wood fiber sources for fabricating MDF materials under suitable conditions. An approximate solid content of 80% of oil palm EFB dried fibers and an around 55% solid content of SB dried fibers were obtained by this modified method. These fibers could then be fully dried to obtain a solid content of 90–92%. On observing the results from fiber fractionation and the length of these dried fibers, it was found that the SB and oil palm EFB dried fibers were comparable to mixed light hardwoods fibers produced in an industrial MDF board process.
